• Turn off your wireless network when you’re not home—This step will minimize the chance of a hacker accessing your network.

• Change the administrator’s password on your router—Router manufacturers usually assign a default user name and password that allows you to set up and configure the router. Hackers know these default logins, so it’s important to change the password to something more difficult to crack. Make your password at least 10 characters long for added security.

• Change the identifier on your router—Each router is also assigned a default identifier, or Service Set ID (SSID), by its manufacturer. This ID is usually broadcast by the router to announce its
presence to any devices in the area. Once again, hackers have done their homework and use default IDs to try to gain access to your network. 

• Make sure you have a firewall—Firewalls greatly reduce the chance of outsiders
penetrating your network by monitoring attempts to access your system and blocking communications from unapproved sources. Be sure to use the firewall that comes with your router and enable the software firewall that comes with your computer security software (like the one included in McAfee® Total Protection) to provide an extra layer of defense.

• Set up encryption—You can set your router to allow access only to those users who enter the correct password. These passwords are encrypted (scrambled) when they are transmitted so that

Protecting Your PC from War Driving hackers who try to intercept your connection can’t read the information. The two main types of encryption are Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP) and Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA). It’s worth noting that WEP is not as secure as WPA. You should use the highest level of encryption that is provided on your router and computers.

• Connect only to secure networks and save your sensitive searching and work for home—When possible, avoid connecting to networks such as those in cafes and hotels that are not secured. You can tell when a network is not secured because you will see a message when you connect saying that you are “connecting to an unsecured network.” When you do need to use a public hotspot (or network), avoid navigating to any sites that require a password, such as banking sites.  Save your sensitive surfing for your secured home network.

Advanced Tips

• Allow only specific computers to access your wireless network—Another way you can keep hackers at bay is to restrict network access so that only your computers can connect to it. Each computer or wireless device is assigned a unique number code called a Media Access Control (MAC) address, and you can program your router to connect only with specific MAC addresses. Be aware, however, that some hackers can mimic MAC addresses, so make sure you follow some of the other tips listed here for more complete protection.

• Disable ID broadcasting—In addition to changing your router identifier, you may also want to disable identifier broadcasting. By disabling the broadcast, you make it more difficult for hackers to locate your wireless network.

• Disable the “ad hoc” mode—“Ad hoc” mode allows wireless devices to connect with other wireless connections. You want to disable this feature so that a hacker who is in range cannot wirelessly connect to your home network through one of your computers. Instead, use "infrastructure" mode, which only lets wireless connections to your home network through the router.

• Check for wireless intruders—Taking proactive steps to protect your network is great, but you should also perform periodic security scans to see if any intruders have made their way onto your network. If you find an intruder, you’ll want to shut off their access to your network by banning their MAC address. You might also want to consider changing your encryption password and make sure you have MAC address filtering on.

Although war driving is a real security threat, it doesn’t have to be a hazard to your network. With a few precautions, or “defensive driving” measures, you can keep your network and your data locked down.